Worldwide Forum, Network of Centers and Data Exchange
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The Role of the Network Weaver in strengthening, linking and growing:
Contents
Network Weavers as Ambassadors
This paper is for us to imagine how the role of a NetworkWeavers.net can function as an ambassador for strengthening, linking and growing our commons through shared faciliation of a worldwide forum, network of centers and data exchange.
Worldwide Forum, Network of Centers, Data Exchange
In every part of the world, from impoverished developing world villages to Paris, Hong Kong and Manhattan, excellent programs and committed people work tirelessly to improve the conditions of man and the environment. There are many common positive aspects of their work, and there are some common dilemmas. It is as if, with all good intention, the family of man has set out to build a home for our future. We have arrived with our tools and contributions of time, money and effort, but we are without a blueprint and a way to communicate with each other so we can use our resources efficiently and effectively.
Our need is to open lasting dialogue to mutually define our goals and co-generate implementation plans to create equality, peace, and a sustainable world for ourselves and for future generations where all living systems flourish in balance with one another.
It is for these reasons that Emerging Futures Network supports the following Initiatives:
- A global network of Centers that are both physical locations and an online community, with at least one center in each country. Networking Centers support local community work while simultaneously interacting with global ideas and needs. They are like the spokes in a wheel;
- The "spokes" connect in the center to a virtual Data Exchange that organizes and circulates information, like a ring that surrounds the central hub;
- The hub is the Worldwide Forum where we, the People of the World, share ideas and co-create the future we agree we want. Together we develop and structure an implementation plan that becomes the outer rim of the wheel to move us quickly forward to action.
- Network Weavers as ambassadors and the Network Weavers Guild to facilitate connecting the dots within the smaller and larger movement(s).
The underlying goal of these three Initiatives is to create more efficient and effective use of our human and natural resources so we can meet the urgent challenges facing humanity and the planet as quickly and as successfully as possible.
The uniqueness is that the conversations and implementation plans are ongoing and designed to integrate our mutually developed global vision on all levels of scale from local to global, thus we are able to develop infrastructure not presently available. The addressing and implementing of solutions becomes a cognizant, continuing process -- the connected wheel that speeds forward on mutually created and applied solutions -- to a sustainable future.
Worldwide Forum, Data Exchange, network of Networking Centers
Two companion projects need to be in place to allow the Worldwide Forum to achieve its goals and so that all who wish to participate can do so. They are: (1) an international network of Centers able to support local/global action and (2) an online Data Exchange to connect, organize and circulate the information that develops.
Worldwide Forum
Such a Forum takes place as we link together network weavers who work to document the stories, dreams and resources of the participants in their networks. The Forum is a system of networking, reporting, tagging and linking that strengthens the diversity of social networks to come together in ways that support the role and work of network weavers. Such a forum would happen on-line and face-to-face through a variety of on-going venues that share information through the network weaver's network NetworkWeavers.net which results in strengthen the contributing networks.
Example of tagging themes from stories: AboutUsValues
The reason for holding the Worldwide Forum is so we, the People of the World, can find our shared Voice and then to co-create our mutual vision of the future we want. Today, we do not yet have that mutual Voice, a shared vision, or an implementation plan. Many current policies and activities do not reflect what the majority of us want, nor do they reflect that we have deep concerns about where existing courses of action are taking us, the environment and the future of life on the planet. It seems likely that we, the People of the World, will agree and that our combined Voice will say we want equality, peace, and a sustainable world for ourselves and for future generations. Therefore, we need to set up the circumstances where our mutual Voice can be birthed and heard, and where we can co-create the necessary implementation plans.
The Worldwide Forum is an on-going event that provides a space to interconnect and jointly engage in powerful conversation about what we want our planet’s future to be. Next we co-create the implementation plans to take us from here to there so unified change can occur quickly.
To have our Voice heard, network weavrs would be asked to act as ambassadors for us, the People of the World, to deliver the implementation plans to their families, communities and organizations for action. The network weavers would be in a position to mobilize their networks and regional policy makers directly. The interconnected network of Centers continues dialogue through the Data Exchange. Community organizers and individual citizens move into action with new effectiveness and better use of our human, financial and environmental resources.
Worldwide Forum dialogues will be held every four years as big events, like the Olympics, with the first one being held as soon as it can be organized. There people gather face-to-face, and online, from all nations to heal, share accomplishments and to continue developing plans with and for the citizens of the Earth for a just, sustainable and peaceful world. The ongoing nature of these Worldwide Forums allows continual refining of the collective vision and implementation plans.
A Network of Centers
A Network of Centers is an integral part of the Worldwide Forum. They function as connectors of people and plans, new and existing technologies, and link to the Data Exchange so that a new future can emerge. The goal is that the network of Centers will support citizens who desire to take a peaceful, unified stand for humanity, the environment, for women, children and families in ways that protect and enhance all life systems in perpetuity.
A Networking Center is many things. It functions as an organizing center; it is staffed with a Network Weaver, Community Organizer and Technology Expert; and it is a local data exchange. It acts as a gateway and gathering place for the Voice of the People. Networking Centers are physical places where people meet face to face, as well as a space to connect online. Networking Center staff and tools are designed to support local people to organize to meet their needs and to bring forth their goals in partnership with others locally and globally. Networking Centers make up the smaller parts of the larger shared vision and support all efforts around issues of common concern.
Networking Centers will need to be established in all countries and bioregions -- with a minimum of one per country -- and in as many regions of each country as possible. Sustainable businesses are intended to generate revenue to maintain the operating costs of each Networking Center. These social ventures will showcase the best techniques for projects such as affordable housing, sustainable farming, new technologies, and effective use of natural resources.
Data Exchange
The Data Exchange is a virtual library and shared learning center, a collaborative effort of the Worldwide Forum and network of Networking Centers. New information is continually shared, organized, contributed to and accessed. Existing bodies of information will also be integrated and available, sharing what is needed in various regions and communities; connecting actual needs as well as information.
Information will flow back and forth -- new technologies, new funding sources, new modes of commerce, and more. Together we can generate collective wisdom that reflects what we the citizens of Earth value, need and create together. The Data Exchange will be constantly evolving. It will function on the most local level of scale and globally simultaneously.
Networks that host multiple means to accomplish what we know works for people, their cultures and families can become unified by aligning together for something larger than any one network can accomplish alone. Collectively we can take a united stand around common concerns. We can come together around qualities that empower, engage and sustain that which gives life to all.
Please join the conversation and effort at:
- http://www.omidyar.net/group/efn/
- add your link to a blog, list or other form of conversation about this topic
Together we can accomplish what we cannot do alone.
Network Weavers Working on this idea together
- Laure Dillon (
) - Julie Caldwell (
) - Add your name here
) 
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